Russell Johnson, Gilligan’s Professor Dies From Kidney Failure

Photo courtesy of CBS Photo Archive

Catherine Meushaw

Staff Writer

Yesterday, actor Russell Johnson, best known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley on Gilligan’s Island, passed away from kidney failure.

ABC News confirmed the news with his wife, Constance saying, “He died at home, peaceful in his sleep at 5:21 am” she continued on to say, “(He was) a very brave guy who knew what he wanted and he wanted to be a home.”

Before getting into acting, Johnson served in World War II. He was in several television shows before and after Gilligan’s Island, including, The Adventures of Superman, Black Saddle, The Twilight Zone, and Lassie.Three of his Gilligan’s Island co-stars have passed, Bob Denver in 2005, Alan Hale Jr. in 1990, and Jim Backus in 1989. Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann, posted on Facebook,

“My 2 favorite people are now gone. The professor past (sic) away this morning. My heart is broken. Russell was a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend..”

In addition to his wife, Johnson is survived by his daughter, Kim.